By Tendai Chisiri
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has released the draw for the Round of 32 of the Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, with Castle Lager Premier Soccer League clubs set to face qualifiers from the lower divisions.
The competition, being run under the theme “Ubuntu – Heritage – Nhaka”, marks the return of ZIFA’s flagship knockout tournament. PSL teams enter at this stage and have been paired against sides that progressed through regional qualifying rounds.
Several notable matches emerged from the draw conducted by ZIFA. Hwange FC will host Dynamos FC at the Colliery, while Chicken Inn FC face Ngezi Platinum Star in anall-PSL encounter. CAPS United were drawn away to Scottland Academy, and league champions FC Platinum travel to face Marere FC. Highlanders FC have been paired with Blackrock, and Manica Diamonds will play Simba Bhora in an all-top flight tie.
Other PSL clubs in action include ZPC Kariba who host Triangle FC, Telone FC against Blanket Mine FC, MWOS FC who take on Herentals, and Bulawayo Chiefs face Agama FC.
The draw also provides opportunities for lower league sides. Aqua Stars will host Chili FC, Norton Big Boys welcome FC Hunters. while Bulawayo Chiefs face *Agama FC*.
Development sides are also included, with MWOS U19 drawn against Chatidhege FC and Scottland Academy against CAPS United.
Kwekwe United will play Hardrock and Gwanda Pirates face Jordan FC to complete the 16 fixtures.
The Munhumutapa Challenge Cup is ZIFA’s premier knockout competition. Named after the historic Munhumutapa Empire, the tournament seeks to promote national heritage through football and to provide a platform for clubs outside the PSL to compete against elite opposition.
The single-elimination format has previously produced notable upsets, with lower division teams using the cup to gain exposure and compete for silverware.
Fixtures To Be Played On The Weekend Of 7-9 August 2026
FULL ROUND OF 32 FIXTURES:
1. Aqua Stars vs Chili FC
2. ZPC Kariba vs Triangle FC
3. Simba Bhora vs Manica Diamonds
4. Norton Big Boys vs FC Hunters
5. Telone FC vs Blanket Mine FC
6. Chicken Inn FC vs Ngezi Platinum Stars
7. Hwange FC vs Dynamos FC
8. MWOS FC vs Herentals
9. FC Oden vs Scottland FC
10. Bulawayo Chiefs vs Agama FC
11. Marere FC vs FC Platinum
12. Scottland Academy vs CAPS United
13. MWOS U19 vs Chatidhege FC
14. Blackrock vs Highlanders
15. Kwekwe United vs Hardrock
16. Gwanda Pirates vs Jordan FC
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